Year 8 Geography Students Step into the Shoes of World Leaders

Last week, our Year 8 Geography students had the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of world leaders during an exciting Model United Nations debate. The students were assigned different countries and tasked with debating a critical international issue—whether China’s controversial 9-dash line should be recognised as a legitimate territorial claim.

So what is the 9-dash line?  It is a U-shaped nine-dash line that was etched on map in the 1940s by a Chinese geographer, which China uses to stake claim to 90% of the South China Sea.  

The debate was a thrilling exercise in diplomacy, as students worked to understand and present their assigned country’s perspective. They considered a range of factors, from political alliances to international law, in order to craft well-rounded arguments. This engaging activity was the perfect follow-up to their recent enquiry into the question, "How has economic growth changed China?"

Throughout the debate, students demonstrated impressive critical thinking skills, conducting in-depth research to support their arguments and negotiating effectively with their peers. It was a brilliant showcase of the intellectual curiosity and diplomatic abilities that Year 8 students continue to develop.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our students displayed, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as global citizens and thinkers.